Trigger Guard Safety Device for Firearms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing safety devices for weapons can be cumbersome and difficult to quickly disable, posing a risk of unintended discharge, especially when rapid firing is necessary, and they often obstruct easy storage and drawing of the weapon.

Innovation Solution

A trigger guard safety device made of semiflexible material, such as Kydex, that conforms to the weapon's trigger guard, preventing unintended trigger depression while allowing quick release and secure attachment, with features like flanges and a lanyard hole for easy removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical safety device is used to lock the trigger, then unintended discharge is prevented, but the device becomes cumbersome and difficult to quickly disable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of unintended dischargeVSAvoidquick disable of safety device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The safety device is designed as a separate, removable component that can be independently attached to or removed from the trigger guard, allowing the trigger mechanism itself to remain simple and quick-operating while adding safety functionality only when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The safety function is extracted as a separate removable device rather than being integrated into the weapon's permanent structure, allowing the user to remove the safety device quickly when rapid firing is necessary without disassembling or manipulating complex locking mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a key or combination lock safety device is used, then security against unintended discharge is improved, but the device requires disassembly or complex unlocking procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity against unintended dischargeVSAvoiddisassembly or unlocking procedures

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The safety function is extracted as a separate removable device that attaches to the trigger guard externally, eliminating the need for disassembly of the weapon or complex internal locking mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a lock that requires keys or combinations to unlock, the device uses a simple snap-fit attachment mechanism where the safety device itself is the locking element that can be quickly removed by pulling or releasing a simple tab, inverting the traditional approach of securing the trigger

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If a bulky safety device is used to prevent discharge, then trigger protection is improved, but the device obstructs easy storage and drawing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrigger protectionVSAvoidstorage and drawing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The safety device is constructed from a thin, flexible material that can conform to the contours of the trigger guard, providing effective trigger protection while maintaining a low-profile design that does not obstruct storage in holsters or clothing waistbands

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The device is molded with curved surfaces that conform to the natural shape of the trigger guard, allowing it to fit smoothly without creating protrusions or irregular shapes that would catch on clothing or holster edges during drawing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device effectively prevents unintended discharges while allowing rapid and secure access to the weapon, facilitating easy transport and quick discharge without obstructing holster removal.

Implementation Method 1

formed from a plastic material that is moldable when heated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal heating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

moldable when heated and then hardens to a rigid but semiflexible material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHardening: Heat Treatment

Implementation Method 3

made of a firm but semiflexible material such that the trigger guard safety device flexes when put in place on the trigger guard and snaps back to its original configuration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10132585B2Trigger guard safety device for a weapon

Publication Date: 2018.11.20 TRIGGERSAFE LLC

AI summary

A trigger guard safety device for movement of a trigger of a weapon is provided. The trigger guard safety device is unobtrusive and molded to fit around the trigger guard of a weapon such that the trigger guard safety device physically prevents access to and depression of the trigger. The trigger guard safety device is of unitary construction and comprises sides, bottom, and depressions formed in the sides. When secured in place, the trigger guard safety device provides for safe transportation of a loaded weapon while allowing quick discharge of the weapon when necessary.